Jamboree experience inspires teen to take on Scouts leadership role

White Water Rafting  TBW Newsgroup
WHITE WATER RAFTING: Penola Scout William Goodes participated in a number of adventurous activities at the 22nd New Zealand Scout Jamboree.

White Water Rafting TBW Newsgroup
WHITE WATER RAFTING: Penola Scout William Goodes participated in a number of adventurous activities at the 22nd New Zealand Scout Jamboree.

PENOLA resident William Goodes has returned from a trip of a lifetime as one of 14 Scout Venuturers from Australia selected to attend the 22nd New Zealand Scout Jamboree.

After attending the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginina, America as a junior leader last year, William made another trip abroad as part of the Venturers cohort, a group of Scouts aged 15 to 17 years old.

The event was held near Hamilton in the centre of the country’s north island and attracted around 4000 participants from around the globe.

The young leader provided help to 400 Australian Scouts in attendance, including teaching fellow members how to change tyres and check water and oil in a car.

William also helped set up campsites and served as a lifeguard on the super water slide.

He said the event was unforgettable.

“We did a number of fun activities including white water rafting and post tours,” he said.

“We also went to a glow worm cave.”

He said although the weather was chilly, he enjoyed the experience of the 11-day camp.

“We learnt the traditional haka dance and what people in New Zealand do on a daily basis which is different from our routines,” William said.

“They did all their jobs before breakfast and then some days they would have breakfast then do all of their jobs.”

“Although it was cold over there, I would go back any day.”

William said the experience has inspired him to take on a leadership role with the Penola Scouts.